4 Seasons Cottage Resort near Algonquin Park
To see and do in the area
- Dining Out-

Index

Introduction	A short introduction to the section.
Algonquin Park	Two possibilities in the Park itself & some recommendations for dinner on the way back.
Bancroft	The largest town in the area – about 45 km (30 miles) away.
Barrys Bay	The closest larger town – about 22 km (14 miles) away.
Church Dinners	The annual dinners are very popular and excellent value for money.
Combermere	The possibilities in Combermere, the closest town.
Customer Comments	From our guest book, actual customer comments re places to eat.
Lake St. Peter	If headed north from Maynooth on Hwy 127.
Maynooth	Even includes the buffet at the barn dance.

Introduction

All cottages have fully equipped kitchens and gas barbeques, so self-catering is possible. However, you may want to take a break from cooking and eat out. Ordering in or walking to a restaurant is not possible as you are in a somewhat sparsely populated area – probably one of the reasons you would visit us. This section gives quite a variety of possibilities, ranging from fast food outlets to up market restaurants for that special dinner. Please be aware that outside of the summer high season some of these places may have shorter opening hours or may even close for the winter season.

Algonquin Park

When Fran and I go to Algonquin Park, we normally make a full day of it. We leave after breakfast, have a quick lunch at one of the places in the park and stop on the way back for dinner. This section gives a couple of suggestions for lunch and also for dinner on the way back.

The Portage Store - In the Park
Tel: 705-633-5622
Located on the shores of Canoe Lake it has a licensed restaurant serving a variety of foods.

The Sunday Creek Café – In the Park
Located at the Algonquin Visitor Centre, the Café serves a variety of foods. Cafeteria style.

Fortune's Madawaska Valley Inn – On the way back - Barrys Bay route.
Highway 60, Barrys Bay, Telephone: 1-800-363-2758

On highway 60 about 1 km before reaching Barrys Bay on the left side.
See the write-up under Barrys Bay or visit their web site at: http://www.madawaskavalleyinn.com
Fran and I have eaten here a few times and quite liked it.

Hay Lake Lodge – On the way back – Maynooth route
Whitney, Telephone: Telephone: 613-637-2675

Hay Lake Lodge is 12 miles south of Whitney, off Hwy.127 on the McRae-Hay Lake Road. Lake front dining room.
See the write-up under Lake St Peter or visit their web site at: http://www.haylakecanada.com/index.php?tgt=welcome

Spectacle Lake Lodge – On the way back – Barrys Bay route
Barrys Bay, Telephone: 613-756-2324, Toll Free: 1-800-567-4044

On highway 60, after Madawaska and about 16 km before Barrys Bay turn right onto Spectacle Lake Road and go about 1 km.
See write-up under Barrys Bay or visit their web site: http://www.spectaclelakelodge.com/dining.html
A beautiful location, right at the edge of the lake – one of our favorites.

Bancroft - Places to Eat

Bancroft, the largest town in the area (population of about 2,000), is about 50 km (31 miles) to the southwest - when you come out of the Blue Moon driveway, turn right onto county road 62 and just follow it. Bancroft has a number of restaurants, a selection of which we have listed below. You will notice that most of them in the town itself are located on Hastings Street – this is the main street.

Cafe B.C.
29670 G&H, Hwy 62N Bird's Creek Plaza, Bancroft, ON; Telephone: 613-332-5315

On your way to Bancroft on highway 62, on the left just after Birds Creek.

Best Western Sword Motor Inn – Dining Room
146 Hastings Street, Bancroft, ON; Telephone: 800-528-1234

Web site: http://www.bestwestern.com/ca/swordmotorinn
Fran and I eat here fairly often when we go to town shopping.

Brides Gate Inn
2004 Bay Lake Road, Bancroft; Telephone: 613-332-0154; Toll Free: 877-553-5772

Located 5 minutes south from the town of Bancroft, off Hwy #62 (on the way to Madoc).
From their web site - http://www.grailsprings.com/html/welcome.htm “..We have a fully licensed dining room with a diverse menu and a wonderful wine list. The dining room has a beautiful view of Spurr Lake. In the summer we open up our garden/patio for outdoor dining…”.
Very nice for those special occasions; but, definitely not for those on a tight budget.

Fox & Hounds
Hwy. 28 South on Paudash Lake, Bancroft, ON; Telephone: 613-339-3000

Located right on the edge of Paudash Lake – on highway 28 towards Peterborough - Naturally, with a British motif - Fran & I have eaten here – we liked it.

Market Cafe & Fudge Factory
16 Bridge St. W., Bancroft, ON; Telephone: 613-332-1336

McDonalds
131 Hastings St. N, Bancroft, ON; Telephone: 613-332-2029

Pine Star Family Restaurant
RR 1, Hwy 62 S, beside M & M Esso Service Station, Bancroft, ON; Telephone: 613-332-8210

Pizza Delight
141 Hastings St. N., Bancroft, ON; Telephone: 613-332-8064

Subway Sandwich & Salads
10 Station St, Bancroft, ON; Telephone: 613-332-0077

Tim Hortons
230 Hastings St N, Bancroft, ON; Telephone: 613-332-0299

Vito's Pizzeria
143 Hastings St. N., Bancroft; Telephone: 613-332-4044

Barrys Bay - Places to Eat

Barrys Bay, the closest larger town (population of about 1,100), is about 22 km (14 miles) to the northeast and has a number of restaurants, a selection of which we have listed below. When you come out of the Blue Moon driveway, turn left onto county road 62 and just follow it.

Ash Grove Inn
Highway 62 South, Barrys Bay; Telephone: 1-888-756-7672

When driving in from Purdy, it is on your right hand side just as you approach Barrys Bay.
From their web site: http://www.ashgroveinn.com/dining.html “.. fully-licensed dining room features homemade country-style food seven days a week. The menu offers a large variety of Canadian, Italian and even some Polish style food - all at reasonable prices. The Comfortable Dining Room provides a beautiful view of Kamaniskeg Lake. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, our menu consists of everything from burgers to pastas, chicken, steaks and seafood. If you´re around on Sunday - don´t miss our famous low-priced Sunday Brunch! For more casual dining or just a few drinks to relax, visit our sports bar, The Side-Door Bar & Grill. Activities abound at the Side Door Bar & Grill. Our 35" television is always tuned into The Sports Network ... Playing pool is a popular pastime at the Side Door.”

Balmoral Hotel
16 Opeongo Square, Barry's Bay, ON; Telephone: 613-756-5162; Toll Free: (877) 494-7866

When driving in from Purdy, turn right at the 3 way stop in the centre of town and the Balmoral is just down a ways on the right hand side.
From their web page on http://www.algonquinpark.com/lodges.html “Please come and join us at the completely renovated fully licenced Balmoral Hotel... Rustic relaxing room; Fine dining; Bar and entertainment lounge; Beergarden; Bilingual (English and German), Wednesday nights "Karaoke; *Saturday nights "Live Entertainment"”.
The patio is quite pleasant when the weather is co-operating.

Barry's Bay Dairy & Restaurant
5 Dunn Street, Barry's Bay; Telephone: 613-756-2018

When coming from Purdy, turn left at the 3 way stop in the centre of Barrys Bay, go one block and then turn left again and the Dairy is just down on the left side.
From coffee to full meals. A favourite gathering place for the locals.

Dairy Freez
34 Bay North, Barrys Bay; Telephone: 613-756-7116

When driving in from Purdy, just before you get to the 3 way stop in the center of town on the right hand side.

Dixie Lee
Opeongo Line, Barry's Bay; Telephone: 613-756-2074

When driving in from Purdy, turn right at the 3 way stop and Dixie Lee is just over a block down on the left side
From the web site: http://www.realontario.ca/listings/listing.asp?id=4801 - “Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday 11 am - 8 pm; Saturday & Sunday 11 am - 9 pm. Menu choices to suit all budgets - hot soup, sandwiches, meal deals available, pizza & wings, wedges or regular fries, salads, coffee & muffins”.

Fortune's Madawaska Valley Inn
Highway 60, Barrys Bay, ON; Telephone: 1-800-363-2758

About 1 km from Barrys Bay on highway 60 going towards Madawaska / Algonquin Park.
From their web site: http://www.madawaskavalleyinn.com“Our beautiful oak dining room is the focal point of the Inn. A renowned chef for 25 years, Warwick's wide ranging experience in both Europe and Australia blends together in an intriguing and unique menu .... there is something for everyone, including Vegetarian and Vegan dishes.
Highlights from our menu include:
• Emu Medallions - Similar to beef, a bit gamier but without the fat and cholesterol. Delicious in a port glaze. Cooked rare.
• Orange Roughy Fillet - a delicate white fish from New Zealand grilled and served with lemon.
• Fortune's Linguini - tender linguini noodles tossed with cream, garlic, baby shrimp and broccoli.
• Venison Pie - simmered with port and vegetables in a rich gravy and topped with puff pastry…”
Fran and I have eaten here a few times and quite liked it.

Generations
Barrys Bay, ON; Telephone: 613-756-0692

When driving in from Purdy, turn left at the 3 way stop and Generations is about 2 blocks down on the left side.
From the web site http://www.foodinc.ca/6137560692/index.html “Open 24 hrs .. non-smoking section. Our friendly staff is ready to serve you your choice of KFC, Pizza Hut, selections from our own full menu, fresh donuts and coffee. Ice cream is also available”.
When I get up in the wee hours due to jet lag, this is where I head for coffee and the paper.

Pinewood Inn
Highway 62 South, Barrys Bay; Telephone: Toll Free: (800) 339-8554; Local: 613-756-2646

When driving in from Purdy, on the left side just as you are entering Barrys Bay. Fully licensed dining room is open all year.
This was always a favorite of Fran’s father.

Spectacle Lake Lodge
Barrys Bay, ON; Telephone: 613-756-2324; Toll Free Reservations: 1-800-567-4044

About 17 km from Barrys Bay. In Barrys Bay take highway 60 towards Madawaska – after about 16 km turn onto Spectacle Lake Road.
From their web site: http://www.spectaclelakelodge.com/dining.html “Dine in the relaxed atmosphere of our licensed, air-conditioned restaurant. We feature a full A La Carte Menu - Breakfast, Light Lunches, Bar-B-Que Steaks and delicious Seafood. We are known for the BestFood in The Valley. Enjoy our all-you-can-eat Sunday Brunch - 9 A.M. and 2 P.M. NEW!!!! Pasta Night - Thursdays - 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m..”.
A beautiful location, right at the edge of the lake – one of our favorites.

Wilno Tavern Restaurant
Wilno, Telephone: 613-756-2029

Wilno is just a few kms east of Barrys Bay – when coming from Purdy, turn right at the 3 way stop in Barrys Bay and then just follow on to Wilno.
The Wilno Tavern is an 85 seat Licensed Restaurant conveniently located in an historic building – formerly the Exchange Hotel which was established in 1894. The menu features traditional Polish foods as well as such Canadian fare as homemade soup, salads, burgers, pizza's, pasta and decadent desserts. Occasional entertainment – give them a call to see what’s on and/or coming up. Perogies come highly recommended.

Church Dinners - Places to Eat

Many of the local churches put on annual dinners in order to raise money. In the main, the food is home cooked by the members and delicious. Very popular. Excellent value for money. Below are a few examples; for information about these during your stay, check one of the local event calendars.
     http://www.bancroftontario.ca/1index.html
     http://www.bancroftdistrict.com/Tourism/events.php

Our Lady of Mercy Church Annual Roast Beef Dinner
Bancroft - Held on weekend after Labor Day weekend

St. Andrew's Annual Supper & Bazaar
Killaloe: In 2002: August 11th – Sunday after August Holiday weekend - 1:30pm to 6:00pm
Hot and cold buffet, crown anchor, Bingo, crafts, entertainment. Adults:$10.00, Children 12 &under:$4.00, 4 & under: FREE

St. Ignatius Church Annual Turkey Dinner & Bazaar
Maynooth - Always held on the Sunday of the Labor Day weekend

St. Martin of Tours Turkey, Ham & Baked Bean Supper
Whitney - Held on August 1st long weekend
Turkey supper, bingo, games for the young and young at heart, flea
In 2002: Served from 2:00 pm on. Adults:$10.00 Children 12 & under:$4.00, 5 & under: FREE, Activities start at 10:00 am

St. Mary's Church Annual Chicken Supper
Wilno – Held on Sunday of Labor Day Weekend
In 2002: plates served from 2:00 pm Adults $10. Children under 12 $5.

Combermere - Place to Eat

Combermere is located about 7 km (4.5 miles) from Blue Moon Retreat. When you come out of the Blue Moon driveway, turn left onto county road 62 and just follow it.

Beaver Lake Motel & Restaurant
406 21 Combermere Rd., Barry's Bay; Telephone: 613-756-5005

On the left hand side of county road 62 between Combermere and Barrys Bay when coming from Purdy.

Hydes Marina
On the left side just as you enter Combermere when coming from Purdy.

Fast Foods during the day, with Swiss specialties in the evening (the owner is from Switzerland) – for the evening reserve ahead
Nice location – right beside the river

Inn Towne Restaurant
On the right hand side of the main street when coming from Purdy.

Hours: Winter: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Closed Sun & Hol Summer: 8:00 a.m. -7:00 p.m.; Closed Sun & Hol.
Judy, the owner, is a wonderful character. Fran and I enjoy going in for a late breakfast; the kibitzing between the locals is quite entertaining.

The Valley Market
Combermere; Telephone: 613-756-3717

The general store; not a restaurant; but, on the hot days, many people stop here for an ice cream cone.

Customer Comments - Places to Eat

Recommendations that our customers have made in the guest books.

June 2001 – Shangri La
“Had a great week …as usual! Everything was wonderful. This cabin is truly magnificent!! I look forward to next year, same time, same place. To future guests … there are a few spots I would recommend visiting during your stay … (1) While Duck Pottery, (2) Candleberry Cottage, (3) Look-out Point (right up highway 62), (4) Market Café (Fudge Shop) in Bancroft. For any golfers Bancroft has a half decent little course (9 hole) less than $ 20.00 for a round. Have a good summer.”

March, 2002 – Chalet
“If we told you we were greeted with 8” of fresh snow and then spent the week enjoying it in 60 – 70 degree weather, would you believe us? The scenery is great, the toboggan hill is incredible. The memories have been etched in our minds for good. We will be back again and again to enjoy the wonderful splendor of Blue Moon Retreat. P.S. Try the perogies at the tavern just outside of Barrys Bay – they are expensive; but worth it. Perogies came from Wilno Tavern.”

October, 2002 – Sunset
“Also, we stopped at a little restaurant in Maynooth one day for lunch...I guess the only restaurant there maybe.and the food was great! It was Granny's Kitchen or something like that. Homemade butter tarts and pies!”

Lake St. Peter

Lake St Peter is located about 36 km (22 miles) from Blue Moon Retreat. At the 4 corners in Maynooth, turn onto hwy 127 and just follow it.
.
Algonquin Lodge:
When going towards the park, on the right hand side; 613-338-2265

From their web site - http://www.algonquinlodge.com/ “..Licenced dining room with a stone fireplace; Excellent home cooked meals; Warm friendly atmosphere..”

Hay Lake Lodge:
Whitney, Telephone: 613-637-2675

Hay Lake Lodge is 12 miles south of Whitney, off Hwy.127 on the McRae-Hay Lake Road. Lake front dining room.
From their web site: http://www.haylakecanada.com/index.php?tgt=welcome - “We take pride in our personally prepared meals and pastries, made from "scratch" by our staff.”.

Honeydoo's Cafe:
Telephone: 613-338-3194

On the right hand side when heading north towards the park.

Judy's Cafe:
2367 Hwy 127, Lake St Peter; Telephone: 613-338-2233

On the left hand side when heading north towards the park.

Maynooth - Places to eat

Maynooth is located about 26 km (16 miles) from Blue Moon Retreat. When you come out of the Blue Moon driveway, turn right onto county road 62 and just follow it.
.
ANAF Barn Dance:
On the left at the edge of Maynooth when coming from Purdy

Most Saturday nights – Country and Western
A buffet meal served later in the evening – included in the admission price – I don’t know how they do it.

Arlington Hotel & Tavern:
Main Street; Maynooth; Telephone: 613-338-2080

Heather (assisted by Donald & Marie) acts as hostess for the morning coffee gathering of the locals.

Granny's Kitchen:
Main Street (33021 Hy. 62 North, across from LCBO); Maynooth; Telephone: 613-338-1001

Hours: 7am-7pm Mon-Sat -- 9am-6pm Sunday
Pizza, Thurs-Sun (24 hour notice to pick up for cottage arrival); Home made bread, tarts, pies

MartinWood Resort:
Telephone: Toll Free 1-877-552-0970

Between Maynooth and Harcourt (See maps at http://www.martinwoodresort.com/ )
From their web site: “..Bolger’s – home cooked meals in a family setting..”.